NOW OPEN at Love Creek. Mountain biking is also allowed on the new "Fields & Forests Bike Trail" at Love Creek from spring to November 1 when conditions permit.

The current distance of the trail is about 4.5 miles. For most mountain bikers it will not be a technically challenging trail, but it is a trail close to home and the frequent uphill sections may test one's legs and lungs.

Some sections of the trail are shared with hiking trails and cyclists are required to yield to hikers and should always anticipate that other trail users may be present around blind corners.

Insect repellent is recommended in summer, as Love Creek is (unfortunately) host to a healthy deer fly population.

Mountain biking is a new activity at Love Creek. To insure continued trail access, please stay off all other trails and be sure to follow and respect all rules listed on the trailhead sign.

Summary:Took off a little early from work today and decided to give this trail a shot. I was really impressed with the building at the head of the trail, as well as the parking area - all very new, and very well kept. Parking is $3/time, or $15/year. Go inside the building to pay.

The trail is marked pretty well. I almost blew by one of the signs that noted a change in the trail (straight was for pedestrians, left was the mtb trail). It has rained a lot here lately, so the ground was really soft. I took a spill in one area due to that.

The flies aren't bad (yet), and I got a pretty good cardio workout.

I'll be back.

Recommended Route:There is only one route, and as it says in the description, it's 4.5 miles (which is what my GPS said as well).

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Summary:The trail has more straight stretches than most of the trails in the area. The uphill parts of the trail are also straighter and longer, which gives you a deceptive cardio workout. There is some sand at the base of a few uphills and in a few places you are riding more on grass than dirt. The trail is mowed, so you are not riding through 4 foot high grass. There is only one really curvy/crunchy tight stretch. And its pretty short. The trail is fairly well marked, it does cross hiking trails in quite a few spots. I enjoy making at least two laps around this fast trail.

As the brochure for Love Creek warns, Deer Flies are present, make sure you bring some OFF, you cannot out run the Deer Flies. The web site for Love Creek includes a flyer you can print out for free entrance to the park.

Other recommended trails in the same area:In Indiana, Rum Village and Potato Creek
In Michigan, Lawless

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